Christmas will be here in a few days and most of you are probably well on your way to completing your list of yearly traditions. The first family Christmas tradition we complete is that of putting up our Christmas tree. Growing up in Alabama, I was surrounded by forests of pine trees all around. I […]

Argen Duncan All seven Portales schools missed the latest targets for boosting student achievement, according to test results the state Public Education Department released Monday. Statewide, 644 schools, or 77.9 percent, didn’t reach the goals for “adequate yearly progress,” or AYP, under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. That’s up from 560 schools, or […]

Clarence Plank Summer sun may be a pleasure but area cancer experts say safely enjoying the sun means taking proper precautions. There are an estimated two million cases of skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the U.S. Most are considered to be sun-related, according to the American Cancer Society. James Townson, 66, of Melrose is one […]

By Eric Butler: PNT staff writer Portales High School Principal Melvin Nusser and Portales Junior High School Principal Steve Harris have expressed confidence that this year their schools will meet the Adequate Yearly Progress standards mandated by both the state and federal government. Both men gave lengthy presentations to the Portales Municipal Schools Board of […]

Staff and Wire Reports SANTA FE — Two-thirds of New Mexico’s schools met basic requirements for student performance and participation under a new federally mandated system for rating schools. None of Portales’ eight public schools reached the goal of making adequate yearly progress (AYP) under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The 2004 school […]